Black, White & Mario

They may be black and white, but here's some excitement to jazz up your Wednesday, courtesy of Mario Testino. I was able to see his first US exhibit in 2013 at the MFA and currently, he is about to debut his exhibit in Germany. He truly captures the real essence of any woman - her beauty, vulnerability, complexity and grace. To see Mario in action (in Sicily!) view here.

A Night Thought

An excerpt from William Wordsworth, one of many poems I read under a military blanket at Manka's this past weekend. I am a sucker for poetry from the Romantic Age and it just so happens the bookshelves in my cabin had no shortage...

Get After It!

Finally! Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, particularly those of you that get to relish in a long holiday weekend. Make it count! Photo via. 

A New Orleans Moment

I've got New Orleans on the brain. The line-up for the annual Jazz Fest was announced just a few days ago which seems to get more impressive each year (Elton John! Dr. John! Trombone Shorty! Allen Toussaint! Chicago!). Suddenly, I find myself craving the strawberry bourbon cocktails we concocted in the parking lot before last year's shows. This morning, with the aid of my favorite NOLA expatriate, we sent off a list of restaurants to a dear friend and I'm salivating just thinking about the lunch shenanigans at Galatoire's, hurricanes on Bourbon Street and shrimp and grits at La Petite Grocery. Since I'm having a New Orleans moment, I revisited my archive of homes and interiors in the crescent city. Above, designer Sara Ruffin Costello showcased her New Orleans home in Domino Magazine back in May 2013. The home she found with her hubby on holiday and was the catalyst for leaving New York. I love the moody wall colors, mix of antique pieces with the velvet sofa and the collection of shot-guns rested against the fireplace. The ornate chandelier is lovely, drawing attention to the 14 foot ceiling.

See more, here and if you continue to have the south on the brain like, moi, read about my Great Grandmother, 'The Most Unforgettable Character I've Met' published in 1955 in Reader's Digest.